By Kabiru Abdulrauf
The Rivers State Executive Council has announced the cancellation of a ₦134 billion contract for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat Complex earlier awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
The decision was taken at the Council’s first meeting since the suspension of the six-month state of emergency declared earlier this year. The meeting, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, eight retained commissioners, and the Permanent Secretaries of Works and Education.
After reviewing key contracts and policies implemented during the emergency period, the Council resolved to revoke the secretariat reconstruction deal and ordered CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid.
The Council also directed that a fresh bidding process be initiated for other revoked projects in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas, which had been advertised in February.
In a bid to improve digital education and examination processes, the Council approved the constitution of a six-man committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Odu, to identify and recommend suitable sites for Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state.
The flood control committee, also chaired by the Deputy Governor, was directed to take immediate steps to address flash floods in affected communities. Residents were further cautioned against blocking drainage channels, which worsen flooding during heavy rainfall.
Additionally, the Council approved new measures aimed at tackling youth unemployment and realigning government priorities in the areas of education, environment, and job creation.
Governor Fubara said the decisions reflected his administration’s renewed commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and the delivery of people-oriented projects.
